BOR recap April 2001

April 12, 2001
Four Into Hall of Fame
Four students were inducted into the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s Leadership Hall of Fame on March 29.
The Hall of Fame was created by Tech’s Leadership Development Team to raise awareness about the importance of student leadership and to recognize the valuable contributions student leaders make. The Hall of Fame recognizes students based on their contributions to the campus community. It’s not about how many leadership positions they list on their resume. The award recognizes students who have made a difference.
Any full- time Tech student in good academic and disciplinary standing is eligible to apply for induction to the Leadership Hall of Fame. An anonymous committee of students, faculty and staff reviews applications. Up to six students are selected each year for this honor.
The inductees for the 2001 Leadership Hall of Fame are Travis DeWeese, Jason Lamont, Colleen Manning, and Jason Thuringer.
•
Travis DeWeese is a senior mechanical engineering student from Spearfish. He will graduate in Dec. 2001 and he plans to travel to Germany to be a ski and snowboard instructor before obtaining an engineering position within the ski and snowboard industry.
As a student leader at Tech, DeWeese was very involved on campus. He is a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he has served as historian, editor, and summer housing manager. He is a former member of the Leadership Development Team. He also served as an orientation leader and went on to become one of the chairs of the Orientation Program during his senior year.
DeWeese has contributed his leadership in several other student organizations. He is a member of TONITE, the student programming board, where he recently finished a term as Vice President. He has been an active member of the Tech Soccer Club, the Tech Ski and Snowboard Club, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and has recently taken on a leadership role with the Human Powered Vehicle. DeWeese’ honors include membership in Phi Eta Sigma, the freshman honor society, and the Dean’s List.
•
Jason Lamont is a junior Computer Science student from Aberdeen, S. D. After graduating, Lamont plans on getting a job as a software development engineer at a computer company. This summer, Lamont returns to Motorola for a second internship.
During Lamont’s time at Tech, he has been very involved in a variety of campus organizations. He is a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where is currently Vice President. He is a former member of TONITE, the student programming board, where he served on the M Week Committee and was the Chair of the Public Relations Committee. Lamont has served on Student Association as the Freshman Class President, was a member of the SOAP funding committee, and has participated in numerous intramural sports and community service activities.
Lamont has made a significant contribution to the leadership development of other Tech students. He served as both a member and then the chair of the Leadership Development Team. Lamont also was selected to be an orientation leader and he went on to become a chair of the Orientation Program. Lamont was also instrumental in developing our first summer orientation program.
•
Colleen Manning is a senior Chemical Engineering student from Burbank, S. D. Manning will graduate in Dec. 2001 and plans to get a job in the chemical engineering field in the Kansas City area. Since transferring to Tech in 1998, Manning has been very involved in campus life. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she has served as the public relations chair and the Inter- Fraternity Council delegate. She has been a member of TONITE, the student programming board, the Society of Women Engineers, and has served as an orientation leader.
After serving as a member of the Leadership Development Team, Manning was selected as the chair of that organization. Manning is currently serving as president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
•
Jason Thuringer is a senior Mechanical Engineering student from Parkston, S. D., and will graduate in May. After graduation, Thuringer will work for Honda in Columbus, Ohio as a test engineer.
Thuringer is a true role model of the term ��� student – leader” as his academic accomplishments are as impressive as his leadership contributions. Thuringer has been a member of the Dean’s List every semester he has been at Tech. He is a member and former vice president of Phi Eta Sigma, the freshman honor society, member and former president of Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Society and is a member and current president of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Society.
Thuringer is involved in a number of other campus organizations as well. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where he recently finished his term as treasurer. Thuringer is a former orientation leader and was a member of the Leadership Development Team for two years. Thuringer recently chartered a new student organization, the SDSM& T AeroDesign Team and successfully obtained funding for the team’s competition in Palm Dale, Calif.
- 30-
Twenty- Five Students Selected as Tech Orientation Leaders
Twenty- Five South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have been selected as Orientation Leaders at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The group has been meeting regularly throughout the spring semester to prepare for the arrival of new students in the upcoming summer and fall semesters
Orientation Leaders are the first students who have contact with incoming freshmen and transfer students. They guide, support and provide information.
In addition to helping students feel welcome, Orientation Leaders also are responsible for planning Orientation Week. This includes scheduling and planning events, programs and helping new students with placement testing and registration.
The Orientation Chairs:
First Name
Last Name
Year
Major
Hometown
Erin
Dimock
junior
Chemistry
Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Jessica
Kienow
junior
Chemical Engineering
Warner
The list of Orientation Leaders follows on the next page. First Name
Last Name
Year
Major
Hometown
Dan
Alsup
sophomore
Electrical Engineering
Spearfish
Nick
Bottolfsen
sophomore
Mechanical Engineering
Yankton
Jen
Buxton
sophomore
Industrial Engineering
Brandon
Brooke
Dinger
junior
Math
Aberdeen
Michael
Dorman
junior
Mechanical Engineering
Kennebec
Scott
Fritz
sophomore
Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering
Sioux Falls
Connie
Giroux
senior
Chemistry
Rapid City
Aaron
Gough
sophomore
Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering
Salem
Mindy
Haerer
junior
Math
Wall
Heidi
Heinen
freshman
Chemical Engineering
Watford City, N. D.
Angela
Holeton
junior
Interdisciplinary Science
Rapid City
Micah
Keller
sophomore
Geological Engineering
Dickinson, N. D.
Espen
Kvernstuen
senior
Electrical Engineering
Norway
Lindsay
Lipps
freshman
Industrial Engineering
Hay Springs, Neb.
Cassady
Marshall
sophomore
Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Laramie, Wyo.
John
McCanna
sophomore
Geology
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Nick
Newell
freshman
Computer Engineering
Havre, Mont.
Clint
Richards
freshman
Electrical Engineering
Spearfish
DeeAndra
Sandgren
sophomore
Interdisciplinary Science
Lemmon
Andrew
Shepherd
sophomore
Computer Engineering
Gillette, Wyo.
Jesse
Suek
freshman
Computer Engineering
Havre, Mont.
Tony
Tegels
junior
Chemical Engineering
Windom, Minn.
John
Ullman
junior
Mechanical Engineering
McLaughlin
Tiffany
Walz
junior
Industrial Engineering
Huron
Stacy
Watters
junior
Physics
Minneapolis, Minn.
- 30- Honors Convocation recognizes students, teachers and community members
At the 50th Annual Honors Convocation, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology presented awards to students, faculty and friends of the university in recognition of their outstanding service and academic achievements.
Tech faculty and community award winners:
•
Mines Award for Outstanding Public Service: John Brewer, president of Rushmore Bank and Trust. Brewer was recognized for donating thousands of hours to community organizations and events such as the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Black Hills Council of Boy Scouts, the United Way and the Rapid City Arts Council.
•
Mines Award for Outstanding Teaching: Larry Aho, a math teacher in the Hamlin School District. Aho was recognized for his 29 years of motivating and engaging students. Robert Donaldson, a math teacher in the Meade School District. Donaldson was recognized for driving his student to understand and to learn on their own. He has been a teacher in Sturgis for 27 years.
•
Benard A. Ennenga Award: Dr. Larry Stetler, Tech assistant professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering. Stetler was recognized for his excellence in teaching and his enthusiasm to teach. This award was established by Mr. Ennenga to recognize any tech teaching assistant or faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and motivating students.
•
Virginia Simpson Award: Rick MacDonald, Tech’s computer support team leader. MacDonald was recognized for his involvement with many community organizations, such as the Boy Scots, Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 320. Virginia Simpson, a long- time supporter of Tech and active community member, established the award to support and encourage new or continued community involvement by Tech faculty or staff.
•
Presidential Award for Outstanding Professor: Dr. Sookie Bang, Tech biology professor, was recognized for her dedication to teaching and to research. The Presidential Award is based on exemplary performance as an assistant, associate or full professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Tech student award winners:
Academic Achievement
Freshman Engineering
Matthew Colvin Chemical Engineering, Math Hutchinson, Minn.
Matthew Dahl Computer Engineering Rapid City
Bryce Engle Mechanical Engineering Sioux City, Iowa
Andrew Fisher Mechanical Engineering Bowman, N. D.
Heidi Heinen Chemical Engineering Watford City, N. D.
Andrew Kannenberg Computer Engineering Luverne, Minn.
Donald Larson Chemical Engineering Watertown Timothy Lucking Mechanical Engineering Buffalo, Wyo.
Mason Pluimer Electrical Engineering Rapid City
Justin Reisenauer Mechanical Engineering Hettinger, N. D.
Clinton Richards Electrical Engineering Spearfish
William Ruppelt Electrical Engineering Rapid City
Freshman Science
Rebecca Burrows Geology Dyer, Ind.
Amy LaFrance Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Nicole Johnson Chemistry Rapid City
Marci Medalen Chemistry Rapid City
Nathan Sandman Interdisciplinary Sciences Ellsworth AFB
Nancy Thompson Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Wyatt Zochert Computer Science Webster
Sophomore Engineering
Carol Harwood Mechanical Engineering Mission
Andrea Johnson Computer Engineering Pierre
Nicholas Koch Mechanical, Electrical Engineering Plankinton
Daniel Palecek Electrical Engineering Philip
Sophomore Science
Andrew Farke Geology Armour
Steven Smith Computer Science Pierre
Junior Engineering
Zachery Mader Mechanical Engineering Biddle, Mont.
Candice Quiram Industrial Engineering Piedmont
Ethan Swanson Civil and Environmental Engineering Lake Norden
Junior Science
Erin Long Chemistry Rapid City
Senior Engineering
Travis Nelson Chemical Engineering Lake Norden
Senior Science
Kristie Mach Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Brenda Manley Math Lewsiport, Kent.
Leadership Awards
Athletics Track and Cross- Country
Volleyball
Football
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Nicholas Bitz
Hannah Gibson
Robert Pentland
Brent Peterson
Amy Wilson
Rapid City
Philip
Wheatland, WY
Sioux Falls
Hamilton, MT
Drama
Karen Bachmeier Hermosa
Leadership Hall of Fame
Travis DeWeese Rapid City
Jason Lamont Aberdeen
Colleen Manning Burbank
Jason Thuringer Parkston
Phi Eta Sigma
Jered Fry Alliance, Neb.
South Dakota Board of Regents
Award for Academic Excellence
Phi Eta Sigma
Award for Organizational Leadership
Tech Soccer Club
Student Association Outstanding Senator
Christopher Bulian Yankton
Tau Beta Pi
Nicholas Koch Plankinton
Seniors Graduating in 2001 with Highest Honors
David Anez Physics Huron
David Burton Computer Science Rapid City
Jennifer Carter Civil and Environmental Engineering Custer
Anthony Connor Computer Engineering Rapid City
Alyssa Evans Chemistry Rapid City
Kristin Horton Electrical Engineering Wall
Kristie Mach Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Erin Macy Chemical Engineering Aberdeen
Brenda Manley Math Lewisport, Kent.
Travis Nelson Chemical Engineering Lake Norden
Stephen Peabody Chemical Engineering Globe, Ariz.
Kathleen Peterson Math Rapid City
John Rishea Computer Science Rapid City
Frode Rogstad Industrial Engineering Norway
John Schaefer Electrical Engineering Box Elder
Karen Tallent Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Amy Williams Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Jayme Zimprich Industrial Engineering Hayti
Departmental Awards
Chemical Engineering
Travis Nelson Chemical Engineering Achievement Award Lake Norden
Erin Macy Chemical Engineering Faculty Award Aberdeen
Chemistry
Steven Smith General Chemistry Achievement Award Pierre
Jeremy Day Outstanding Chemistry Senior Clark
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Jennifer Carter Outstanding Senior in Civil Engineering Custer
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Darryn Frafford Schmitz Award for Outstanding Junior in Electrical Engineering Halliday, N. D.
John Schaefer Hixson Award for Outstanding Senior in Electrical Engineering
Box Elder
Cameron Crow Outstanding Junior in Computer Engineering Stephan
Anthony Connor Outstanding Senior in Computer Engineering Rapid City
Geology and Geological Engineering
Jay Nopola Edward L. Tullis Award Inter Grove Heights, Minn.
Daniel Lien J. A. Redden Award Rapid City
Graduate Education
Jason Ash Outstanding Graduate Student Award Rapid City
Xiaodong Zhang Outstanding Graduate Student Award China
Humanities
Eric Pollard Boyd Award for Excellence in Technical Communications Sioux City, Iowa
Dana Sander McLearie Award for Excellence in Technical Communications Baker, Mont.
Interdisciplinary Sciences
Kristie Mach IS Advisors’ Award Rapid City
Mathematics and Computer Science
Brenda Manley Outstanding Senior in Mathematics Lewisport, Kent.
Kathleen Peterson Outstanding Senior in Mathematics Rapid City
David Burton Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Rapid City
John Rishea Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Rapid City
Mechanical Engineering
Karen Carda Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student Rapid City
Amber Schmidt Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student Aberdeen
Industrial Engineering Paul Elder Outstanding Industrial Engineering Student Rapid City
Jayme Zimprich Outstanding Industrial Engineering Student Hayti
Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Shane Beasley Outstanding Senior Award Box Elder
Bert Cantu Outstanding Senior Award Rapid City
Military Science
Aaron Buchholz Outstanding Advanced Course Cadet Rapid City
Jordan Lanning Outstanding Basic Course Cadet Jefferson
Mining Engineering
Stephen Robbins Old Timer’s Club Award Gillette, Wyo.
Physics
David Anez Outstanding Senior in Physics Huron
Eric Dykeman Outstanding Senior in Physics Rapid City
Richardson Scholars
College of Earth Systems
Rebecca Burrows Geology Dyer, Ind.
Andrew Farke Geology Amour
Ethan Swanson Civil and Environmental Engineering Lake Norden
College of Materials Science and Engineering
Grant Crawford Mechanical Engineering Sundance, Wyo.
Matthew Colvin Chemical Engineering, Math Hutchinson, Minn.
Kyle Wermers Chemical Engineering Mitchell
College of Systems Engineering
Clinton Richards Electrical Engineering Spearfish
Steven Smith Computer Science Pierre
Zachary Mader Electrical Engineering Biddle, Mont.
- 30-
Identify Those Rocks and Fossils
During an event Sunday, April 8, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology geologists and paleontologists will identify those neat- looking rocks and fossils you’ve found.
Tech’s Museum of Geology is sponsoring a “ Rock and Fossil Identification Day” from 1 p. m. to 4 p. m. Sunday, April 8, at the museum on Tech’s campus. The museum is located in the O’Harra Building. To get there, follow the dinosaur footprints from the main parking lot.
Tech geologists and paleontologists will do their best to accurately identify any rocks and fossils you bring. The museum invites everyone. The service is free. There also will be a scavenger hunt for children. For information, call the museum at 394- 2467.
- 30-
Concrete Canoe Team Leaves for Regional Competition Thursday
Students from the South Dakota School of Mines Technology will race their new concrete canoe, nicknamed “ Storm Chaser,” this weekend at the 2001 American Society of Civil Engineers ( ASCE) Rocky Mountain Regional Conference held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The conference will feature the regional concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions.
Tech’s student ASCE chapter has a strong tradition of designing and racing concrete canoes. Tech has placed first in 10 of the past 12 regional competitions and has finished in the top five in nationals four times. The team must win the regional competition to be eligible for the national competition scheduled for June in San Diego, Calif.
The team’s concrete canoe is judged on appearance, weight, presentation, and races in men’s sprint and endurance, women’s sprint and endurance, and co- ed. The steel bridge competition is judged by weight, efficiency, least maximum deflection, speed of assembly, and total cost.
The 30- member team returns Sunday.
- 30-
Tech Takes First Place with “ Storm Chaser”
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology took overall first place at the 2001 American Society of Civil Engineers Rocky Mountain Region Conference held this weekend in Colorado Springs, Colo. The conference featured the regional concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions.
The Tech team raced and competed with its canoe named “ Storm Chaser.” Tech has won regionals 12 of the past 14 years. The win qualifies the team for the national competition, scheduled for June in San Diego, Calif. There, Tech will compete against more than 20 teams from universities with the best engineering programs in the country.
“ It was quite a bit tougher this year than it has been,” Tech student Shane Boyle of Rapid City said. Boyle is pursuing a master’s degree in Civil Engineering. “ Some of the teams made great strides from where they were last year. Now, we have to practice so we can bring home the trophy from San Diego.”
The U. S. Air Force Academy hosted this weekend’s regional competition. Tech won first place in the competition after winning the most points overall from Friday’s and Saturday’s events. The team’s concrete canoe was judged on appearance, weight, presentation, and races in men’s sprint and endurance, women’s sprint and endurance, and co- ed. The team’s steel bridge competition was judged on weight, efficiency, least maximum deflection, speed of assembly, and total cost.
The 30- member team returns Sunday.
- 30-

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April 12, 2001
Four Into Hall of Fame
Four students were inducted into the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s Leadership Hall of Fame on March 29.
The Hall of Fame was created by Tech’s Leadership Development Team to raise awareness about the importance of student leadership and to recognize the valuable contributions student leaders make. The Hall of Fame recognizes students based on their contributions to the campus community. It’s not about how many leadership positions they list on their resume. The award recognizes students who have made a difference.
Any full- time Tech student in good academic and disciplinary standing is eligible to apply for induction to the Leadership Hall of Fame. An anonymous committee of students, faculty and staff reviews applications. Up to six students are selected each year for this honor.
The inductees for the 2001 Leadership Hall of Fame are Travis DeWeese, Jason Lamont, Colleen Manning, and Jason Thuringer.
•
Travis DeWeese is a senior mechanical engineering student from Spearfish. He will graduate in Dec. 2001 and he plans to travel to Germany to be a ski and snowboard instructor before obtaining an engineering position within the ski and snowboard industry.
As a student leader at Tech, DeWeese was very involved on campus. He is a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he has served as historian, editor, and summer housing manager. He is a former member of the Leadership Development Team. He also served as an orientation leader and went on to become one of the chairs of the Orientation Program during his senior year.
DeWeese has contributed his leadership in several other student organizations. He is a member of TONITE, the student programming board, where he recently finished a term as Vice President. He has been an active member of the Tech Soccer Club, the Tech Ski and Snowboard Club, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and has recently taken on a leadership role with the Human Powered Vehicle. DeWeese’ honors include membership in Phi Eta Sigma, the freshman honor society, and the Dean’s List.
•
Jason Lamont is a junior Computer Science student from Aberdeen, S. D. After graduating, Lamont plans on getting a job as a software development engineer at a computer company. This summer, Lamont returns to Motorola for a second internship.
During Lamont’s time at Tech, he has been very involved in a variety of campus organizations. He is a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where is currently Vice President. He is a former member of TONITE, the student programming board, where he served on the M Week Committee and was the Chair of the Public Relations Committee. Lamont has served on Student Association as the Freshman Class President, was a member of the SOAP funding committee, and has participated in numerous intramural sports and community service activities.
Lamont has made a significant contribution to the leadership development of other Tech students. He served as both a member and then the chair of the Leadership Development Team. Lamont also was selected to be an orientation leader and he went on to become a chair of the Orientation Program. Lamont was also instrumental in developing our first summer orientation program.
•
Colleen Manning is a senior Chemical Engineering student from Burbank, S. D. Manning will graduate in Dec. 2001 and plans to get a job in the chemical engineering field in the Kansas City area. Since transferring to Tech in 1998, Manning has been very involved in campus life. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she has served as the public relations chair and the Inter- Fraternity Council delegate. She has been a member of TONITE, the student programming board, the Society of Women Engineers, and has served as an orientation leader.
After serving as a member of the Leadership Development Team, Manning was selected as the chair of that organization. Manning is currently serving as president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
•
Jason Thuringer is a senior Mechanical Engineering student from Parkston, S. D., and will graduate in May. After graduation, Thuringer will work for Honda in Columbus, Ohio as a test engineer.
Thuringer is a true role model of the term ��� student – leader” as his academic accomplishments are as impressive as his leadership contributions. Thuringer has been a member of the Dean’s List every semester he has been at Tech. He is a member and former vice president of Phi Eta Sigma, the freshman honor society, member and former president of Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Society and is a member and current president of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Society.
Thuringer is involved in a number of other campus organizations as well. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where he recently finished his term as treasurer. Thuringer is a former orientation leader and was a member of the Leadership Development Team for two years. Thuringer recently chartered a new student organization, the SDSM& T AeroDesign Team and successfully obtained funding for the team’s competition in Palm Dale, Calif.
- 30-
Twenty- Five Students Selected as Tech Orientation Leaders
Twenty- Five South Dakota School of Mines and Technology students have been selected as Orientation Leaders at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The group has been meeting regularly throughout the spring semester to prepare for the arrival of new students in the upcoming summer and fall semesters
Orientation Leaders are the first students who have contact with incoming freshmen and transfer students. They guide, support and provide information.
In addition to helping students feel welcome, Orientation Leaders also are responsible for planning Orientation Week. This includes scheduling and planning events, programs and helping new students with placement testing and registration.
The Orientation Chairs:
First Name
Last Name
Year
Major
Hometown
Erin
Dimock
junior
Chemistry
Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Jessica
Kienow
junior
Chemical Engineering
Warner
The list of Orientation Leaders follows on the next page. First Name
Last Name
Year
Major
Hometown
Dan
Alsup
sophomore
Electrical Engineering
Spearfish
Nick
Bottolfsen
sophomore
Mechanical Engineering
Yankton
Jen
Buxton
sophomore
Industrial Engineering
Brandon
Brooke
Dinger
junior
Math
Aberdeen
Michael
Dorman
junior
Mechanical Engineering
Kennebec
Scott
Fritz
sophomore
Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering
Sioux Falls
Connie
Giroux
senior
Chemistry
Rapid City
Aaron
Gough
sophomore
Mechanical and Metallurgical Engineering
Salem
Mindy
Haerer
junior
Math
Wall
Heidi
Heinen
freshman
Chemical Engineering
Watford City, N. D.
Angela
Holeton
junior
Interdisciplinary Science
Rapid City
Micah
Keller
sophomore
Geological Engineering
Dickinson, N. D.
Espen
Kvernstuen
senior
Electrical Engineering
Norway
Lindsay
Lipps
freshman
Industrial Engineering
Hay Springs, Neb.
Cassady
Marshall
sophomore
Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Laramie, Wyo.
John
McCanna
sophomore
Geology
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Nick
Newell
freshman
Computer Engineering
Havre, Mont.
Clint
Richards
freshman
Electrical Engineering
Spearfish
DeeAndra
Sandgren
sophomore
Interdisciplinary Science
Lemmon
Andrew
Shepherd
sophomore
Computer Engineering
Gillette, Wyo.
Jesse
Suek
freshman
Computer Engineering
Havre, Mont.
Tony
Tegels
junior
Chemical Engineering
Windom, Minn.
John
Ullman
junior
Mechanical Engineering
McLaughlin
Tiffany
Walz
junior
Industrial Engineering
Huron
Stacy
Watters
junior
Physics
Minneapolis, Minn.
- 30- Honors Convocation recognizes students, teachers and community members
At the 50th Annual Honors Convocation, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology presented awards to students, faculty and friends of the university in recognition of their outstanding service and academic achievements.
Tech faculty and community award winners:
•
Mines Award for Outstanding Public Service: John Brewer, president of Rushmore Bank and Trust. Brewer was recognized for donating thousands of hours to community organizations and events such as the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Black Hills Council of Boy Scouts, the United Way and the Rapid City Arts Council.
•
Mines Award for Outstanding Teaching: Larry Aho, a math teacher in the Hamlin School District. Aho was recognized for his 29 years of motivating and engaging students. Robert Donaldson, a math teacher in the Meade School District. Donaldson was recognized for driving his student to understand and to learn on their own. He has been a teacher in Sturgis for 27 years.
•
Benard A. Ennenga Award: Dr. Larry Stetler, Tech assistant professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering. Stetler was recognized for his excellence in teaching and his enthusiasm to teach. This award was established by Mr. Ennenga to recognize any tech teaching assistant or faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and motivating students.
•
Virginia Simpson Award: Rick MacDonald, Tech’s computer support team leader. MacDonald was recognized for his involvement with many community organizations, such as the Boy Scots, Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 320. Virginia Simpson, a long- time supporter of Tech and active community member, established the award to support and encourage new or continued community involvement by Tech faculty or staff.
•
Presidential Award for Outstanding Professor: Dr. Sookie Bang, Tech biology professor, was recognized for her dedication to teaching and to research. The Presidential Award is based on exemplary performance as an assistant, associate or full professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Tech student award winners:
Academic Achievement
Freshman Engineering
Matthew Colvin Chemical Engineering, Math Hutchinson, Minn.
Matthew Dahl Computer Engineering Rapid City
Bryce Engle Mechanical Engineering Sioux City, Iowa
Andrew Fisher Mechanical Engineering Bowman, N. D.
Heidi Heinen Chemical Engineering Watford City, N. D.
Andrew Kannenberg Computer Engineering Luverne, Minn.
Donald Larson Chemical Engineering Watertown Timothy Lucking Mechanical Engineering Buffalo, Wyo.
Mason Pluimer Electrical Engineering Rapid City
Justin Reisenauer Mechanical Engineering Hettinger, N. D.
Clinton Richards Electrical Engineering Spearfish
William Ruppelt Electrical Engineering Rapid City
Freshman Science
Rebecca Burrows Geology Dyer, Ind.
Amy LaFrance Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Nicole Johnson Chemistry Rapid City
Marci Medalen Chemistry Rapid City
Nathan Sandman Interdisciplinary Sciences Ellsworth AFB
Nancy Thompson Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Wyatt Zochert Computer Science Webster
Sophomore Engineering
Carol Harwood Mechanical Engineering Mission
Andrea Johnson Computer Engineering Pierre
Nicholas Koch Mechanical, Electrical Engineering Plankinton
Daniel Palecek Electrical Engineering Philip
Sophomore Science
Andrew Farke Geology Armour
Steven Smith Computer Science Pierre
Junior Engineering
Zachery Mader Mechanical Engineering Biddle, Mont.
Candice Quiram Industrial Engineering Piedmont
Ethan Swanson Civil and Environmental Engineering Lake Norden
Junior Science
Erin Long Chemistry Rapid City
Senior Engineering
Travis Nelson Chemical Engineering Lake Norden
Senior Science
Kristie Mach Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Brenda Manley Math Lewsiport, Kent.
Leadership Awards
Athletics Track and Cross- Country
Volleyball
Football
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Nicholas Bitz
Hannah Gibson
Robert Pentland
Brent Peterson
Amy Wilson
Rapid City
Philip
Wheatland, WY
Sioux Falls
Hamilton, MT
Drama
Karen Bachmeier Hermosa
Leadership Hall of Fame
Travis DeWeese Rapid City
Jason Lamont Aberdeen
Colleen Manning Burbank
Jason Thuringer Parkston
Phi Eta Sigma
Jered Fry Alliance, Neb.
South Dakota Board of Regents
Award for Academic Excellence
Phi Eta Sigma
Award for Organizational Leadership
Tech Soccer Club
Student Association Outstanding Senator
Christopher Bulian Yankton
Tau Beta Pi
Nicholas Koch Plankinton
Seniors Graduating in 2001 with Highest Honors
David Anez Physics Huron
David Burton Computer Science Rapid City
Jennifer Carter Civil and Environmental Engineering Custer
Anthony Connor Computer Engineering Rapid City
Alyssa Evans Chemistry Rapid City
Kristin Horton Electrical Engineering Wall
Kristie Mach Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Erin Macy Chemical Engineering Aberdeen
Brenda Manley Math Lewisport, Kent.
Travis Nelson Chemical Engineering Lake Norden
Stephen Peabody Chemical Engineering Globe, Ariz.
Kathleen Peterson Math Rapid City
John Rishea Computer Science Rapid City
Frode Rogstad Industrial Engineering Norway
John Schaefer Electrical Engineering Box Elder
Karen Tallent Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Amy Williams Interdisciplinary Sciences Rapid City
Jayme Zimprich Industrial Engineering Hayti
Departmental Awards
Chemical Engineering
Travis Nelson Chemical Engineering Achievement Award Lake Norden
Erin Macy Chemical Engineering Faculty Award Aberdeen
Chemistry
Steven Smith General Chemistry Achievement Award Pierre
Jeremy Day Outstanding Chemistry Senior Clark
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Jennifer Carter Outstanding Senior in Civil Engineering Custer
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Darryn Frafford Schmitz Award for Outstanding Junior in Electrical Engineering Halliday, N. D.
John Schaefer Hixson Award for Outstanding Senior in Electrical Engineering
Box Elder
Cameron Crow Outstanding Junior in Computer Engineering Stephan
Anthony Connor Outstanding Senior in Computer Engineering Rapid City
Geology and Geological Engineering
Jay Nopola Edward L. Tullis Award Inter Grove Heights, Minn.
Daniel Lien J. A. Redden Award Rapid City
Graduate Education
Jason Ash Outstanding Graduate Student Award Rapid City
Xiaodong Zhang Outstanding Graduate Student Award China
Humanities
Eric Pollard Boyd Award for Excellence in Technical Communications Sioux City, Iowa
Dana Sander McLearie Award for Excellence in Technical Communications Baker, Mont.
Interdisciplinary Sciences
Kristie Mach IS Advisors’ Award Rapid City
Mathematics and Computer Science
Brenda Manley Outstanding Senior in Mathematics Lewisport, Kent.
Kathleen Peterson Outstanding Senior in Mathematics Rapid City
David Burton Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Rapid City
John Rishea Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Rapid City
Mechanical Engineering
Karen Carda Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student Rapid City
Amber Schmidt Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Student Aberdeen
Industrial Engineering Paul Elder Outstanding Industrial Engineering Student Rapid City
Jayme Zimprich Outstanding Industrial Engineering Student Hayti
Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Shane Beasley Outstanding Senior Award Box Elder
Bert Cantu Outstanding Senior Award Rapid City
Military Science
Aaron Buchholz Outstanding Advanced Course Cadet Rapid City
Jordan Lanning Outstanding Basic Course Cadet Jefferson
Mining Engineering
Stephen Robbins Old Timer’s Club Award Gillette, Wyo.
Physics
David Anez Outstanding Senior in Physics Huron
Eric Dykeman Outstanding Senior in Physics Rapid City
Richardson Scholars
College of Earth Systems
Rebecca Burrows Geology Dyer, Ind.
Andrew Farke Geology Amour
Ethan Swanson Civil and Environmental Engineering Lake Norden
College of Materials Science and Engineering
Grant Crawford Mechanical Engineering Sundance, Wyo.
Matthew Colvin Chemical Engineering, Math Hutchinson, Minn.
Kyle Wermers Chemical Engineering Mitchell
College of Systems Engineering
Clinton Richards Electrical Engineering Spearfish
Steven Smith Computer Science Pierre
Zachary Mader Electrical Engineering Biddle, Mont.
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Identify Those Rocks and Fossils
During an event Sunday, April 8, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology geologists and paleontologists will identify those neat- looking rocks and fossils you’ve found.
Tech’s Museum of Geology is sponsoring a “ Rock and Fossil Identification Day” from 1 p. m. to 4 p. m. Sunday, April 8, at the museum on Tech’s campus. The museum is located in the O’Harra Building. To get there, follow the dinosaur footprints from the main parking lot.
Tech geologists and paleontologists will do their best to accurately identify any rocks and fossils you bring. The museum invites everyone. The service is free. There also will be a scavenger hunt for children. For information, call the museum at 394- 2467.
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Concrete Canoe Team Leaves for Regional Competition Thursday
Students from the South Dakota School of Mines Technology will race their new concrete canoe, nicknamed “ Storm Chaser,” this weekend at the 2001 American Society of Civil Engineers ( ASCE) Rocky Mountain Regional Conference held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The conference will feature the regional concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions.
Tech’s student ASCE chapter has a strong tradition of designing and racing concrete canoes. Tech has placed first in 10 of the past 12 regional competitions and has finished in the top five in nationals four times. The team must win the regional competition to be eligible for the national competition scheduled for June in San Diego, Calif.
The team’s concrete canoe is judged on appearance, weight, presentation, and races in men’s sprint and endurance, women’s sprint and endurance, and co- ed. The steel bridge competition is judged by weight, efficiency, least maximum deflection, speed of assembly, and total cost.
The 30- member team returns Sunday.
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Tech Takes First Place with “ Storm Chaser”
The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology took overall first place at the 2001 American Society of Civil Engineers Rocky Mountain Region Conference held this weekend in Colorado Springs, Colo. The conference featured the regional concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions.
The Tech team raced and competed with its canoe named “ Storm Chaser.” Tech has won regionals 12 of the past 14 years. The win qualifies the team for the national competition, scheduled for June in San Diego, Calif. There, Tech will compete against more than 20 teams from universities with the best engineering programs in the country.
“ It was quite a bit tougher this year than it has been,” Tech student Shane Boyle of Rapid City said. Boyle is pursuing a master’s degree in Civil Engineering. “ Some of the teams made great strides from where they were last year. Now, we have to practice so we can bring home the trophy from San Diego.”
The U. S. Air Force Academy hosted this weekend’s regional competition. Tech won first place in the competition after winning the most points overall from Friday’s and Saturday’s events. The team’s concrete canoe was judged on appearance, weight, presentation, and races in men’s sprint and endurance, women’s sprint and endurance, and co- ed. The team’s steel bridge competition was judged on weight, efficiency, least maximum deflection, speed of assembly, and total cost.
The 30- member team returns Sunday.
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